Architecture

Uttar Pradesh is blessed by the flow of the hallowed water of the holiest of India’s rivers - the Ganga. The region also witnessed the flourishing of the ancient Indo-Aryan civilization, from which rose a stream of powerful kingdoms and empires - Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, European - whose influences coursed deeply through the outpourings of their cultural developments.

Uttar Pradesh’s architectural heritage showcases this fabulous wealth of structures which is inspired by the confluence of Buddhist, Hindu, Indo-Islamic and Indo-European cultures, which offers the visitor an invaluable education in the evolution of its architecture.

The architectural wonders in Uttar Pradesh include Buddhist Stupas and Viharas, Ancient Monasteries, Townships, Forts, Gates, Palaces, Temples, Mosques, Mausoleums, Memorials and other community structures. Besides other places these magnificent structures have been built in and around the seats of learning, pilgrimage and major cities like Agra, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Jhansi, Mathura, Kanpur, Meerut and Mirzapur.

Mughal architecture is a seamless fusion of Hindu, Islamic, and Central Asian culture. The splendour of UP’s Islamic buildings has received world acclaim. Three of its monuments are UNESCO-acclaimed World Heritage sites. This includes the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and Emperor Akbar’s dream capital Fatehpur Sikri.